I am currently looking at changing the air filter in the JCW CAI. Does anyone have a recommendation for a different filter? Is anyone running the Mini-Madness JCW Intake High Flow Filter replacement? http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=272 4-5hp looks good on paper but I would like any opinions....positive or negative.

I want the engine to remain "stock" in appearance and this filter looked like a good idea. What I do not want to have happen is to change the pressure and cause the valves to leak down the road.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Scrumpy Jack,
I recently ordered the Mini-Madness filter and should be installing it with the flap mod (remove the cowl flap) on Wednesday 12/20/06. The reason I liked the Mini-Madness filter was because of the dual filter (inside and outside cone). In my opinion a much better filter design (for the Mini JCW box) than a universal K&N filter RU-3130. I had a Mini-Madness CAI, similar filter, and cowl mod (hole in cowl) on my 2003 MCS and really liked the change from the stock setup. I never had any problems associated with the Mini-Madness CAI or filter. I do not expect a 4-5hp gain but would expect about 1-2 hp gain.

 

We sell aFe Universal replacement filters as well as intakes. You can go to our website and fill in the Universal filter form and e-mail it to us. We will give you a response of availability asap.

 

ITG makes a filter. I used it and liked it. It's foam.

mb

 

TO ALL THAT ORDERED THE MADNESS FILTER
I was the first to install this. Make sure that the first thing you do is remove the intercooler surround. When pulling the airbox lid it will hit the surround. The instructions will not show this step. I couldnt figure out why the stupid lid wouldnt come off!! Im pretty sure george will be ammending his instructions.

 

I saw the ITG filter posted on MotoringFile.com as well.

The bottom line here is you'll find out if any of these filters make X amount of HP unless you get it on the Dyno.

 

I installed my Mini Madness JCW Airbox Air Filter and removed the airbox flap. I performed 14 horsepower runs, using my G-Tech, before and after the install. This was the first mod for my GP so the vehicle was stock before the airbox and filter changes. With the Mini Madness air filter installed and airbox flap/controls removed, I observed an average 1.3 HP increase. About what I expected. There is a slight increase in supercharger and intake noise, which I like.

 

I wonder if this would result in more gain on a pre-'05 JCW which doesn't have the flap? I have an '03 JCW and thinking hard about trying this filter. Thoughts from the more knowledgeable?

 

I would not expect much more gain in the pre-05 because my 1.3 gain was with the flap, diapham, and vacuum canister removed from the airbox.

 

I thought that the issue with the pre'05 was that it didn't have access outside due to no flap? I guess that my question then is what is the difference between the "old" vs. "new" JCW CAI? I pick up my '03 MCS JCW on Saturday (first MINI) so I've yet to look at in detail but my understanding was that the "new" version has a flap that provides outside access at 4500 rpm. My uneducated thought was to put an ITG filter on and explore creating a hole similar to an ALTA CAI to the outside but that is sheer conjecture until I get a look at it. What are the thoughts here on what works?

 

Bittersweet, you can buy the full 200-to-210 upgrade for your JCW if you wish - it'll give you the JCW CAI, bigger injectors, and improved software to match those mods.

What I love about the JCW CAI is that the flap ISN'T open all the time - you only get the louder noise above 4500rpm, when you're driving hard. Of course part of the thrill becomes driving hard to get that flap opening

I think the aftermarket CAIs with a permanent opening might be too noisy on a day to day basis ... but I don't want a Borla Sport Exhaust either!


If you have the original JCW 200 kit, it kept the MCS stock air filter - you will get a few hp gain from upgrading to the JCW or an aftermarket.

 

Thanks GBMINI. I read your blog on your upgrade and inquired with the dealer figuring I'd have them add it before I picked it up. They wanted 3.5hr labor plus the parts. All in about $950. Even the parts guy there said it was costly for what you got and hence I'm looking for alternatives.

GBMINI, what was your final view on the install? Worth it? I actually live near Springfield, MA so I could use your friends in Peabody (I think that is where you took it).

 

Finally.. A realistic figure! Additional intake sounds add to the power... Thanks

 

Here is what I did...Buy the upgrade kit with the injectors for just under $500 from a supporting vendor. Sell the injectors for half the price.. Now you have a $250 JCW intake.. Install is pretty easy or look for a pulley party or local club member that can help you out. Its a great intake and worth it at that price.

 

I did the JCW 210 on GBMINI#2 which I don't have now. I *loved* the noise of the new air filter, but I must say I didn't detect much difference between the original 200 hp and the new 210 hp - except the mpg dropped a little (due to the bigger injectors?)

On my current GBMINI#3, I did the JCW CAI on day one and I still love that upgrade - there is an audible thrill from the extra noise coming in at 4500rpm, and I then notice some extra pull just after, about 4800 or so.


I don't remember how much I paid for the JCW 210 upgrade - sorry. But I do recommend MINI of Peabody (tell them I sent you )

 

JaridP, I'm pretty sure the instructions were written for a JCW and not the GP which has the larger intercooler.

Bittersweet, the standard MCS filter box accepts flat panel type filters rather than the cone type. As GBMINI and mikem53 suggested, the 200 to 210hp upgrade kit is a great deal because you get four 380cc injectors for just $75 more! AND that includes the newer JCW software too (since you have a real JCW).

I used the kit with a 19% and GIAC and the combo works great. The JCW210 software should also work great with a 19% if you are keeping future mods in mind...

 

Well I just picked up my used (9k miles) 2003 MCS JCW and it seems that previous owner installed the JCW CAI - I think. I bought it from a MINI dealer as a trade in so I can't ask the previous owner exactly what was done. From my understanding here at the NAM forum there was no JCW CAI in 2003 and when the JCW kit was fitted (12/1/03 per the JCW paperwork that came with the car) it would have had a standard MCS CAI with no badge. My car has a CAI with a JCW badge and looks just like what you see in the JCW accessories section for a CAI. The owner also put on an ALTA silicone pipe to the CAI. There certainly is a distinct supercharger sound at about 5k rpm. I have no idea if the injectors were also fitted as I can't ask the previous owner. Is there an easy way to tell? Also am I right that in 2003 there was no JCW CAI and thus it would have had a standard MCS CAI without a badge?

Either way, this is my first MINI and I'm ecstatic. All that I expected. I bought it sight unseen and without ever having driven one. One of my very close friends has a classic RHD mini 1275 S and I have long lusted after a MINI. I have a '73 BMW 2002 track car which is awesome for its simple and direct and appoach to driving - sharp turn in, small stature - but is way too painful due its track nature to drive around the street too much. The MINI really fits the bill. I drove it 365 miles home yesterday afternoon and it was pure joy. My wife took it for a spin and loved it. She redlined it in the first three gears and couldn't stop smiling. I think this may be her track car.

Electric blue, white roof, white mirrors, 17" minilite look wheels, premium pack, winter pack heated seats, xenons, DSC, fog lights, ipod connector.

A bit giddy really. Sorry for the ramble.

 

The OEM injectors have beige tops while the JCW ones are baby blue. I'd expect the aftermarket revalved OEM ones to also be beige though...

BTW the OEM minilite-look wheels are the R85 S-lites that weigh 25.1 lbs each.

 

Hmm 25.1 lbs each. Just yanking those would give it some get up and go.

Thanks for all the help.

 

Bittersweet,
CONGRATS!

The new injectors require a software upgrade to the engine computer which only a dealership can do - so the cars MINI dealership should be able to look up in their records and see if the "JCW upgrade upgrade" was done.


Make sure to check out MINIsOnTop - our fifth year !

 

what I found was that the stock JCW filter flowed better, but the mods to the airbox (removing the flap and the rest of the crap that runs it) is where the improved flow is.

The thread is here and is cryptically called "testing the Mini Madness JCW Filter Upgrade" or something like that! Surprising what's out there if you look for it!

Matt

 

Thanks. Injectors are baby blue so it looks like those were done with the JCW CAI. When I take it in for service I'll have them confirm that the ECU update was done as well.

 

Hi,

I am new to this forum and this is my first post. This is an interesting thread as UPS just delivered my Mini Madness JCW filter. I should install it soon.

So to my question (and pardon me if I am not overly educated on this topic): As the measurement was done with G-Tech, doesn't this mean that the increase was 1.3 in NET HP, i.e. the engine HP increase should be higher? I do not know how the engine HPs translate to NET HPs, but my assumption is that the diff in engine HPs might be rather close to double that?

(I just ordered yesterday a G-Tech device as well - so I am also trying to get a grip on how the device helps in measuring the effectiveness of the mods.)

Cheers,
Sam

 

Sam,

The G-Tech/Pro website has some useful reading on horsepower and torque measurements.
http://www.gtechprosupport.com/support/
As you state, the G-Tech is a Net HP number. However for measuring small horsepower differences it does not matter much where or how the horsepower is being measured/calculated. It is more important that the runs are consistent. To measure the difference you are subtracting two horsepower numbers that are calculated in the same manner so it should make only a slight difference if it is wheel or crank horsepower. For example let's look at wheel and crank numbers for a small horsepower increase; Wheel horsepower differences of 168.5 - 167.0 = 1.5 but the larger crank horsepower numbers would be something like 187.0 - 185.4 = 1.6 depending on the loss (I used 11% for this example). So the crack number would be a little higher but not a big difference.

Personally, I do not think that measurements made with the G-Tech are all that accurate because of the many variables during test runs, so I just use it as a good measure of the change. Where I test, the road has slight hills, so I do my best to test on level sections and I make about 6-8 runs at different locations and in each direction. To calculate the difference, I throw out high and low numbers and average the rest. I calculate multiple averages by throwing out 1 high/low, 2 high/low, and 3 high/low numbers to make sure I have a good grouping of numbers (low deviation).

By testing with the G-Tech before and after a mod, you can calculate average horsepower numbers before and after the mod. Then subtract the before and after numbers to see the change in horsepower. The key is to perform the before and after tests under the same conditions; weight, temperature, road slope, gear, and RPM. I use second gear Wide Open Throttle (WOT) from 3000 - 7000 RPM.

Measuring with the G-Tech does take time but I do not have access to a dyno in my area. The G-Tech is a good tool as long as you are careful to eliminate variables. I usually make "before" runs one evening, make the mod the next day, and make "after" runs the next evening. I note outside temperate and try to keep vehicle weight the same. Performing many runs should help average the driving variables, such as road slope and acceleration. I mount my G-Tech on the speedo and use a passenger to work the G-Tech.

 

quickmni,

Thanks for the very comprehensive answer - interesting!

A bit off topic, but here in Europe (and MINI2) people mostly talk about crank hp whereas here in NAM it seems to be wheel hp.

Anyways, I am looking forward to getting my new gadget and get going with the testing once I have the Mini-Madness airbox mod installed

Cheers,
Sam